Written by Shayla Rooks
Everyone knows that February is Black History Month and Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month; there is at least one culturally historic holiday celebrated every month. Among the multitude of different cultures celebrated every month, white history has been excluded. So the question is: should there be a White History Month?
Drumroll, please. No, there should not be a White History Month. First off, the history class we were forced to take during school is basically about the accomplishments of the white community. Of course, there’s a small section devoted to discussing minority history, but that’s it. Everything else is dedicated to white people: how they started America, who signed the Declaration of Independence and so on.
Throughout middle school and high school, we had social studies courses that taught us all about American history, which is the same thing as what many would consider to be white history. With that said, why would we need to devote a whole month to what we learn every day? It’s a fact that white people have greatly contributed to America’s foundation, but can we learn about what the other under commercialized races and ethnicities have accomplished?
Additionally, we have culturally historic months to celebrate the progress made as we struggled toward freedom. Historic months, such as Black History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrate the accomplishments that the people of those cultures have achieved and offer an opportunity to learn about the hardships they had to endure as they made their way towards a better life. These months also show the determination that these people possessed to be able to push forward, even when they were denied their rights. History months should be dedicated to those cultures who were not privileged with rights and freedom but fought for what they believed in and achieved their dream. This is not true of white people.
The only reason that some people want a white history month is because there are many other cultures celebrated during the year, which they perceive is “racist.” However, there is a white history month; it’s every other month of the year. The couple of months that minorities claim for their celebrations isn’t being racist; rather, it’s just taking the time to recognize history and accomplishments that would otherwise go unnoticed.
With the belief that, in the U.S., all things should be equal, one would think that everyone here deserves to be treated the same. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Having a white history month would draw attention to the wrong people. For example, holidays such as President’s Day or the Fourth of July are celebrated to recognize the great leaders of our country and the struggle that people went through to gain independence for our citizens. Having a white history month would create a deeper rift between races and would be unnecessary.
So, should White History Month be a thing? No. As much as it may seem that white history isn’t celebrated, white history is all around us.
